Watches Gift Guide

Even if your favorite guy (or gal) has a watch – or two – with the range of styles and occasions for making a statement, there’s always a niche in their watch wardrobe to fill. Here’s a quick guide to the pieces he or she might be dreaming of.

Dress watches for him

There’s nothing like a sleek, elegant watch to complete his work style. Subtle luxury in a slim line watch that will slip easily under the cuff sends a message of understated success. Dress watches also look great on a night on the town with a crisp blazer and jeans. Truly versatile from day to night, a man’s wardrobe is not complete without a dress watch.
You can’t go wrong with a round shaped watch in either gold or steel with a simple dial.
If he’s a traditionalist, Patek Philippe’s Calatrava watches are the essence of elegance, with impeccable design and movements that will last for generations.

The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony collection is another refined winner with extremely sleek, pared-down dial design in very slim mechanical timepieces.
Does he love history? He’ll appreciate that Breguet is the standard-bearer in watchmaking, and its Classique collection watches are quintessentially elegant without being stuffy.

Is modern more his style? Blancpain’s Villeret collection for men is emblematic of the modern classic, with all of the characteristics of traditional watchmaking combined with contemporary lines. Or look at IWC’s Portuguese collection, with many pieces to choose from, from time-only styles to chronographs, adding a sporty element to this dress watch.

Men’s sport watches

Maybe your weekend warrior would love a watch that can keep up. A well-made sports watch can go wherever his activities take him – swimming, hiking, skiing. Fitted with a bracelet or a rubber strap, these watches are ready for action. So which watch will fit his personality?
If he’s competitive or outdoorsy, think Rolex. It’s the popular favorite of sporty watches, and for good reason. From the Submariner to the Milgauss to the Daytona, the watches have an instantly recognizable style and toughness to match. Stainless steel is the go-to metal for these rugged timepieces.

If he marches to his own drummer, consider Panerai. They started in the watch business by outfitting the Italian marines with water-resistant watches that could be easily read underwater. The bold, oversize aesthetic of the watches sends a signal that the wearer is ready for anything, and they look great on big guys.
If he’s adventurous in his sport choices, TAG Heuer is known for racing chronographs and its timepieces evoke an independent attitude.
Is he at home anywhere he goes? Omega, long the watch of choice of James Bond, was also the first watch on the moon. From chronographs to diving watches, Omega watches are a favorite of European men and indeed, men all over the world. Omega has been the official timer of the Olympics for over 40 years, a great testament to its precision and durability.

Collector’s watches

If he’s a true watch collector, gifting can be tricky. He may have something very specific in mind. Collectors look for outstanding pieces with interesting complications, rarity, precious metals, perhaps even gems. While these high-end timepieces have a hefty price tag, rare and complicated pieces tend to hold their value, something collectors also appreciate. Some collectors will wear an annual calendar moon phase watch by Breguet or Patek Philippe, while others may store the watches in their safes, to wear on special occasions or in rotation with other watches. If you’re thinking of giving a watch to a collector, you could shop with him, get him to make a specific selection, or you might buy something you know is ‘close’ but make it clear that your feelings won’t be hurt if he trades it for something else.

Women’s watches to give

Like men’s, ladies watches come in a range of styles from sporty to classic to jewelry watches. What matters is matching her lifestyle and the occasion she will wear it for. Is she on the go? Rolex’s smaller dial watches on bracelet, either gold or stainless steel or a combination of both, look great with daytime jewelry and work anywhere from the tennis court to a business meeting.
Does she have a dressy or dramatic style? Cartier has been creating jeweled watches for women for decades. Their pieces are true jewelry watches, set with exquisite gems or a simple bezel set with diamonds, and made to adorn the wrist like jewelry.
If she’s always ahead of the fashion curve, look at Chopard Happy Sport, a style with fun and flair.